Pooja Goel is Partner overseeing healthcare for Virgo Investment Group. She is responsible for creating the portfolio investment strategy and seeking out new opportunities for partnership. Pooja is a seasoned executive with over two decades of experience in the healthcare industry. Prior to joining Virgo, she held positions at Landmark Health, Healthcare Partners (now Optum), and DaVita (domestic and internationally).  She led many innovative projects while holding several key operational roles in kidney care, international and population health. Pooja began her career in hospital operations at multiple academic medical centers, including Kaiser Permanente.

How did your career in private equity begin? Were you always interested in investing and healthcare?

I began my career in healthcare operations and was fortunate to work in multiple settings: hospitals, large established corporations, and newly formed companies.  Along the way, I leveraged my operations experience into a heavy focus on M&A.  I worked on sourcing, diligence, and integrating new business domestically and internationally.  I was afforded a great education in scaling business and the lessons associated with great growth.  To be honest, PE was not on the radar, but I love that I have been able to make the shift.  I get to leverage my experience in different ways and across multiple companies.  Doing the “deal” is a small part of the process – it’s really about creating value and I think my experience sets me apart.

What corner of the healthcare industry do you predict disruptors will target in 2022, and what is one area you hope to see disruptors focus more on?

2021 was a heavy growth year for healthcare in general and we will see more focus on value-based care and digital health offerings or tech-enabled services.  A lot of bets were made on taking risks but my prior life as an operator has taught me the proof is in the execution.  I am hoping that we will see headlines about great patient outcomes more than impressive valuations and high patient engagement versus large check sizes.  To me, the disruption will be focusing on those models that actually deliver. 

We’re so excited to have you as moderator for the 2022 WBL Summit startup panel session! What are you looking forward to most about leading this conversation?

I am excited to be there!  Having conversations with women executives about building meaningful businesses and success has always been something I have been interested in.  I am truly thrilled to highlight some great new companies making strides in their own way.  I hope to understand how we can replicate their blueprints for more outstanding women CEOs and founders to be recognized.

With experience serving on the boards of many of Virgo’s portfolio companies, what advice do you have for independent directors when they first join a PE-backed board?

Trust your instincts and build relationships early.  Scheduling one on one calls with each board member can give you a lay of the land quickly and allow you to hit the ground running.  I also would look at the composition of skill sets and really understand what the PE firm or company is looking for you to bring to the table. 

Personally or professionally, what might the WBL network be surprised to know about you?

I love to travel like many people but have also been lucky enough to serve on medical missions in Asia establishing clinics for those who lack critical access.  Combining those two passions has been incredibly fulfilling!